Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

How Long Does Oxycodone Stay In Your System?

Drugs are a part of our society; unfortunately, many people become addicted. Some drugs, like OxyContin, are hazardous and can be deadly if too much is taken or misused. Oxycodone is a powerful opioid that was initially developed as an opioid pain medication.

OxyContin came to be widely prescribed during the opiate epidemic when pharmaceutical companies like Sachler provided large sales incentives for doctors to prescribe it Because of its potency, OxyContin can be addictive and difficult to quit, and painful to get out of your system.

How Does Your Body Process Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller that has the potential to be misused. is a dangerous drug that is often used by drug addicts. It is also sometimes prescribed by doctors to help people in pain. It is very potent and can be deadly if it is not used correctly.

When Oxycodone enters your body, it binds to your opioid receptors. This increases your body’s dopamine level, making you feel happy and relaxed. However, it also slows down your breathing and heart rate. If you take too much fentanyl, it can cause you to stop breathing and die.

That is why it is essential for people who use fentanyl to be health conscious and carefully monitor their use. Oxycodone is in the Opioid group of medicines which are analgesic agents commonly used in clinical practice that binds to opioid receptors (DOP, KOP, and MOP) and the method of action is for these receptors to act as agonists, antagonists or partial agonists.

Jump To Section

How Long is Oxycodone in Your System?

OxyContin has a half-life of 3-8 hours, which means it takes 3-8 hours for the body to eliminate half of the drug. It can take 72 hours for the drug to be eliminated entirely from the body. However, standard drug tests can only detect fentanyl for up to 48 hours after last use.

Factors That Affect How Long Oxycodone Stays In Your System

The timeline for how long oxycodone can stay in your system can vary based on several factors such as:

  • Dosage: Higher doses will take longer to metabolize and be eliminated from the body.
  • Metabolism: Individual differences in metabolism can affect the elimination time of oxycodone.
  • Age: Older individuals may take longer to eliminate oxycodone due to age-related changes in liver and kidney function.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated can help speed up the elimination of oxycodone.
  • Frequency of use: Regular or frequent use can result in a buildup of the drug in the body, prolonging its elimination time.

Overage Timeline For Oxycodone To Leave Your System

However, on average, oxycodone can be expected to stay in the system for the following approximate time frames:

  • Blood: Up to 24 hours
  • Urine: 2 to 4 days
  • Saliva: Up to 48 hours
  • Hair: Up to 90 days

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and can vary depending on the individual’s factors mentioned above.

How Can You Remove Oxycodone From Your System?

OxyContin can be very dangerous and even deadly if it is not used correctly and since the drug is so potent, it is easy for users to reach toxicity levels that result in overdose. If you think you may have been exposed to Oxycodone, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. In the event of an Oxycodone overdose the following procedures will be performed to remove the fentanyl:

Narcan

Narcan is a brand name for Naloxone which is a medicine that functions as an antidote to opioid drugs. Many opiate abusers keep Narcan on them in the case of an overdose so that if someone finds them they can spray the Narcan up their nose and they will essentially be awakened back to life.

Opioids can slow or stop a person’s breathing, leading to death which is very common with Oxycodone and Fentanyl since it is so strong. Naloxone helps a person who has opioids in his or her body wake up and keep breathing.

Activated Charcoal

This method can be used if you have recently ingested OxyContin. Activated charcoal binds to drugs and prevents them from being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Gastric Lavage

This method, also known as stomach pumping, involves inserting a tube through your nose or mouth and into your stomach. The stomach contents are then suctioned out. Gastric lavage can be used if you have recently ingested large amounts of OxyContin.

Naloxone

This medication can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose. Naloxone works by binding to opioid receptors and preventing the drugs from having an effect. It is typically given as an injection or a nasal spray.

Dialysis

This method can be used if fentanyl has been ingested or inhaled within 24 hours. Dialysis filters fentanyl from the blood and eliminates it from the body through urine.

Oxycodone & OxyContin Detox

Once you have been evaluated by a medical professional when you start a detox, they will likely recommend one of the following methods for removing the opiates from your system faster and with fewer withdrawal symptoms.

Every day, countless people struggle with addiction. Whether it’s alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, addiction can take a toll on your health, your relationships, and your life. If you’re addicted to fentanyl, you might be looking for ways to detox. Here are details you should know about detoxing from fentanyl.

If you’re addicted to fentanyl, you should know a few things about detoxing. First and foremost, it’s important to detox under the supervision of a medical professional. Detoxing from fentanyl can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

That’s because when you stop taking fentanyl suddenly, you can experience fentanyl withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, seizures, and even death. A medical professional can help monitor your vital signs and stay safe during detox.

Another essential thing to know about detoxing from opiates is that it will not be easy. Addiction is a serious condition that requires expert assistance and time to overcome. During detox, you will likely experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

However, these symptoms are temporary and will eventually subside. Withdrawal symptoms can vary but typically peak within the first few days of detox. After that, they gradually lessen over a week or two.

Detox is necessary but not sufficient for recovery from addiction. Once you have successfully detoxed from fentanyl, you must find a long-term treatment plan that works for you. This might include therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination. Addiction treatment is an ongoing process, but each day sober is a step in the right direction.

OxyContin and your liver

Fentanyl also poses a severe threat to the liver. The liver is responsible for metabolizing drugs and other toxins in the body, and it can be easily damaged by excessive exposure to these substances. OxyContin is no exception; chronic abuse can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver failure although, pur OxyContin does not contain acetomenophen which can negatively effect liver enzymes when taken in large doses.

In light of these dangers, it is critical for anyone using fentanyl to seek help as soon as possible. Treatment for OxyContin addiction can save lives and may also help prevent potentially fatal liver damage.

The Safest Way To Stop Taking Oxycodone

The safest way to stop taking Oxycodone is to taper off the drug gradually under the care of a medically supervised drug detox program. This is especially important for those addicted to the drug, as sudden withdrawal can lead to serious health complications.

Anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills are some typical signs of OxyContin withdrawal.

In severe cases, patients may also experience hallucinations and delusions. A tapered dose of Oxycodone can help minimize these symptoms and make quitting the drug more tolerable. There are several treatment therapy options available for those unable to stop taking Oxycodone on there own (which is most people).

These include inpatient and outpatient detoxification programs, as well as medication-assisted treatment. With the help of qualified medical doctors, it is possible to quit using Oxycodone and reclaim your life safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the length of time that Oxycodone remains in your body?

Oxycodone can be detected in a person’s system for up to 72 hours from a standard urine drug screening. However, the drug can still show up on certain tests for longer periods of time like hair tests.

What are the risks associated with taking Oxycodone?

Oxycodone can be detected in a person’s system for up to 72 hours from a standard urine drug screening. However, the drug can still show up on certain tests for longer periods of time like hair tests.

What is the safest way to stop taking Oxycodone?

Oxycodone can be detected in a person’s system for up to 72 hours from a standard urine drug screening. However, the drug can still show up on certain tests for longer periods of time like hair tests.

Can You Beat a Drug Test For Opiates?

Oxycodone can be detected in a person’s system for up to 72 hours from a standard urine drug screening. However, the drug can still show up on certain tests for longer periods of time like hair tests.

Questions About Treatment?

Get confidential help 24/7. Call now for:

  • Access to our licensed treatment centers
  • Information on treatment plans
  • Financial assistance options

Related Articles

Get Help Now

Name(Required)

Pathan, H., & Williams, J. (2012). Basic Opioid Pharmacology: An update. British Journal of Pain, 6(1), 11–16.

Blakemore, P. R., & White, J. D. (2002). Morphine, the proteus of organic molecules. Chemical Communications, (11), 1159–1168.

Chai, P. R., Carreiro, S., Innes, B. J., Chapman, B., Schreiber, K. L., Edwards, R. R., Carrico, A. W., & Boyer, E. W. (2017). Oxycodone ingestion patterns in acute fracture pain with digital pills. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 125(6), 2105–2112.

Katz, Nathaniel M.D.; Fanciullo, Gilbert J. M.D., M.S. Role of Urine Toxicology Testing in the Management of Chronic Opioid Therapy. The Clinical Journal of Pain: July 2002 – Volume 18 – Issue 4 – p S76-S82

Portenoy, Russell K. MD; Farrar, John T. MD, MSCE; Backonja, Misha-Miroslav MD; Cleeland, Charles S. PhD; Yang, Kaity PharmD; Friedman, Michael PhD; Colucci, Salvatore V. MS§; Richards, Patricia MD, PhD. Long-term Use of Controlled-release Oxycodone for Noncancer Pain: Results of a 3-year Registry Study. The Clinical Journal of Pain: May 2007 – Volume 23 – Issue 4 – p 287-299

Medical Advice Disclaimer

Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.

Related Articles
Magnified Health Systems